It came down to JP, who’s in construction in New York and Ben, a sommelier from Sonoma, California. I pretty much knew Ashley was going to pick JP, since I was in line at CVS earlier and they both were on the cover of US Weekly, for a story about how he’s not over his ex, yet.

There’s always something.

Aside from that, Ashley seemed more herself when she was with JP…no matter what her crazy and obviously jealous sister thought. I mean, I wondered if Ashley’s sister — Chrystie, Chrystal, Cristal, whatever — even knows her own sister. She kept saying how she thought 26-year-old Ashley was too much for for “much older” (34) JP and how Ashley really loves to let loose and have fun.

Ashley did constantly say how dorky she considered herself to be throughout the entire season. But, that was only evident when Ben and her did their ‘dog voices’ in front of Ashley’s family. Ben’s was so much better. Ashley’s was annoyingly high-pitched and I also imagine she sounds that way when she…nevermind.

Nooooooo

The producers made Ashley say Ashley said she could see herself with both JP and Ben. We got to watch Ashley make out on a bed with Ben, who finally told her he was in love with her, after telling the TV screen and Ashley’s family first. Ben said he could tell by Ashley’s kiss that she loved him, too. But, too bad poor Ben didn’t get to see how Ashley kissed JP. Holy heat. That boy can k-i-s-s.

Long story short — Ben planned on proposing to Ashley, and talked about how his late father would be proud of him and how he felt like this was a new beginning. I screamed at the TV “Don’t doooooooo it!” but he couldn’t hear me. Ben teared up when he was talking about his father and how he couldn’t wait to start his life with Ashley. He was talking as if there wasn’t another guy in the picture. Poor Ben.

When he reached Ashley, he interrupted her as she was about to tell him he wasn’t the one, and he went forward with his proposal. What shocked me more, though?

Ashley let him continue. I mean, she could’ve stopped the poor guy. Instead, she let Ben drop to his knee and pull out the gorgeous Neil Lane vintage-esque diamond engagement ring.

Covering his hand, Ashley pulled Ben up from his knee. Then, she tried to tell him how “interesting” she thought he was and he basically told her to shut up.

It was great.

So now, JP and Ashley are engaged and will grace the cover of every tabloid for the next several weeks.

I hope Ben is the next Bachelor. I will apply…but I always say that. However, I could so live on a vineyard.

I’m sorry but Ben is about the biggest snooze-fest I have ever seen on television. If I dated a man who insisted on talking about his feelings and “journey” and “emotional growth” that much, I would vomit. Also, the manner in which he proposed – “willyoumarryme” – in the most ridiculous monotone ever, and so abruptly, was just cringe-worthy.

If the next bachelor is Ryan, I’ll stop watching… but I always say that.

I think JP is a good fit for her. I just hope their future children don’t end up with his crazy varicose forehead vein.

P.S. When did Neil Lane become a therapist? He told JP, “What if she says no?” and then followed it up with, “I just want to be here for you.” Whaaaaaaaaat? I think Neil wanted to give JP a final rose. So awkward… and semi creepy.

I was yelling at the tv when she let Ben get down on one knee. I think that was really crappy of her, knowing she’s going to say no, why would she let him do that?! I have an issue with the way they BOTH proposed though, there was no “Ashley (Insert Middle Name) Hebert, I blah blah blah blah yada yada yada”, just “Ashley” I felt it was to informal. And Neil Lane needs to chill w/the botox.

I thought Ben was the best fit for her but drama dictates the bait and switch so I wasn’t shocked to see him be the first to get out of the plane. I felt he handled the rejection with honest emotion and maintained his dignity. He shushed her when she tried to explain how hard the decision was for her. Think about it though, the rejected don’t want to hear how hard it was for the suitor not to pick them and frankly, does it really matter? She has stronger feelings for someone else. Any explanation is just adding salt to the wound. His perceptions aside, there must have been a minor amount of leading on by her but alas … that is what the show is about.

I don’t think JP is a bad guy at all. Can’t be too bad, he’s from NY! A little insecure at times but so is she so maybe they will mesh well. Good luck to them …

I predict the sister was right. Crazy psycho-bitch as she seemed, I bet she was either a) on to something or b) put up to it by the producers for dramatic effect (cue Ashley’s tears). Her & JP have chemistry, but that’s about it. What else do they have in common? Not that her & Ben have much more in common, but somehow I get the impression that Ben would have TREATED her better in the long run. Yes, he can be a little stiff, but I feel like he’s more mature & confident at 28 than JP is at 34. The way JP was getting all irate during some of the dates is a giant red flag to me, albeit Ashley didnt’ get to see that during filming. To me it signals insecurity and possessiveness, which is a sign of immaturity. Maybe I’m wrong and it will be interesting to see if they make it past Labor Day. I feel like Ben is more confident in his feelings and is more prepared to start a life with someone. He seems like he knows what he wants out of life, and how to achieve that. That’s important. I would’ve picked Ben, too.

I just had a hunch about Brad & Emily, and, well…..(he totally should’ve picked Chantal!)

I’d watch if Ryan becomes the new Bachelor. He’s just sodarncute! And hopefully he learned his lesson about water heater talk….oh, boy! Although, personally I’d rather see William. I loved him and think he’s got a great sense of humor.

Yay!! I couldnt wait for your two cents on the final episode 🙂
I really liked Ben a lot. That being said- I’m glad he didnt end up with crazy Ashley. If you ask me, her and JP are so alike with their insecurities they really are a match made in heaven. Through the whole season I compared his needy attitude to hers when she was fighing for Jake. It’s poetic justice, really.
I vote for Ben as the next Bachelor. Although Ryan is cute- it’s not all about the looks. That last visit when he came back made me cringe. What was he thinking?
And on another note- in regards to the sister. Where the hell was Ashley when sis was getting herself all tattooed up?? Was she there to talk any sense in to HER?? lol…

I agree, Amanda! I would have LOVED for Ben to “win”. There is just something about JP that doesnt sit right. However, I do think Ashley’s sister was wayyyy out of line with what she said. The way Ashley responded to that, I knew THEN that Ben was a goner. 🙁

I couldn’t get over Ashley’s sister. The way she treated JP and how obnoxious she was to him and Ashley was so uncalled for. She was acting like her opinion was the most important. She just wanted to make the decision for ashley. I think she’s just bitter because she’s already been married and divorced…that’s what it seemed like anyway.

I didn’t really like Ben, I did find him a bit of a snooze, but totally agree she should have cut HIM off even after he cut her off to save him some embarrassment.

HOLY SPOILER AMANDA!!!
I’m even more behind the times than you and have been trying to set aside time to catch up on Hulu. This could have gone behind a cut, but I guess you did save me a couple hours of my life.

“I pretty much knew Ashley was going to pick JP, since I was in line at CVS earlier and they both were on the cover of US Weekly, for a story about how he’s not over his ex, yet.”

Oh… I guess I pay more attention to your blog than I do to magazine covers in the store.

But yeah, JP seemed like he was going to be her choice anyway. I mean, he was there for her right after Bentley-gate. Also they have similar personalities, in that he seemed as jealous for her attention (and insecure?) as she was for Brad’s.

I read that Ames is a candidate as well. A nice guy, but just really square. Plus, call me weird but I find something odd about anyone, man or woman, that has a permanently entrenched smile on their face. He’s a male version of the girl that a fellow contestant once described as having “all her dreams in little bubbly cartoons” a couple seasons back. What was her name? Tenney?

I dvr’d “the pad”. I plan on watching it this weekend as I scratch my nails down a giant chalkboard. I still can’t figure out how or why I subject myself to this terrible display of television, but alas, I keep doing it. The whole “train wreck” and all I guess …

I watched this week’s episode of Bpad. My lord, another freaky one comes out of the woodwork. What’s her name, Melissa? Shocked to see Gia just up and leave. I liked her. Will someone please punch Casey in the mouth! He thinks so highly of himself … and the heart tattoo beating … haaa … I damn near spit out my Coco Puffs. If you’ve never seen “crazy”, just look into Vienna’s eyes. Nuff said …